Charleston Safety: How to Avoid Accidents Around Construction Zones

The Anastopoulo Law FirmMay 28, 2016

While the spring, summer, and fall months bring an increase in road travelers
throughout South Carolina, they also bring an increase in road construction
projects. It is difficult to travel anywhere without encountering repaving,
repairs, or some other type of road improvements, and while these projects
promise to increase traffic flow and safety in the long run, they present
delays and an increased risk of car accidents and injuries while they
are occurring. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, the following
is important information on construction zones to be aware of in the Charleston
area, as well as tips for how to avoid accidents when navigating through
these zones.

Charleston Construction Zones

With increasing numbers of visitors to the Palmetto State, massive plans
are under way to provide new points of access while repairing existing
bridges, roads, and highways. According to the 2015/2016 budget report
from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), close to
$500 million is budgeted for maintenance and preservation efforts throughout
the state, while another $500 million is allocated for enhancements as
well as capacity and operational improvements. This represents a massive
amount of road construction throughout the state, and active projects
listed by SCDOT for the Charleston area include bridge repairs and replacements
in the following areas:

In addition to these major projects, travelers can also expect delays from
road construction, paving, and lighting changes throughout the area.

Tips for Avoiding Construction Zone Accidents

According to the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), construction zone accidents resulted in over 4,000 deaths and as many
as 200,000 injuries over the past five years. These accidents most commonly
occur over the summer and fall months, when construction is at its peak,
and rear end collisions are the most common type of work zone accident.
Drivers can help to prevent accidents by using extra caution in construction
zones and by following these safety tips:

Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving.

Pay careful attention to the road ahead, and realize the potential for delays.

Obey signs for merging traffic.

Follow reduced speed limits.

Avoid tailgating and aggressive driving behaviors.

When driving through a construction zone, it is important to be prepared
for the unexpected. Falling debris, work equipment, and other road hazards
could appear unexpectedly in your path or in the paths of other drivers,
causing them to stop, swerve, or come into your lane. Be prepared for
emergency stops at any moment, and allow the extra time you need to safely
get through these delays.

Contact Us for Help

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, contact
Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our
experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys can help you to hold responsible parties accountable for the damages they
have caused, and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. We
have offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina; call us today
for a free review of your case.

Wilmington, NC

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